Each month we want to shine a light on other organisations here in Plymouth as part of our Meet the Community feature. This month we’d like to introduce you to Exim Dance Company: A socially engaged organisation based here in Stonehouse, that deliver high-quality dance and wellbeing services to local people within hard to reach communities. They work with people to improve their general mental health by increasing confidence, self-esteem and building on key social skills.
“We aim to build on community cohesion and enrich people’s lives – particularly for those who are marginalised due to their disadvantages in life. Such as people with mental health conditions, those who are vulnerable due to care arrangements, and families on a low income.”
Exim Dance Company Team: Creative Hub
The Exim Dance Company team is made up of four women, all graduates of the University of Plymouth, BA (Hons) Dance Theatre Degree. They hope to turn their premises in Stonehouse, Oxford House Creative Hub, into a community centre that provides free dance and wellbeing opportunities for the local community.
But that’s not all! As an Arts Award Centre, they have a vested interest in developing young people and boosting their future career prospects by offering support and mentorship. Oxford House Creative Hub is also available for local organisations to use for educational purposes, allowing Exim to continue building strong community connections.
School Holidays: Fit and Fed Programme
School holidays can be a difficult period for many parents. Keeping the kids entertained is one problem, juggling childcare another. But finding all the extra food for their bottomless appetites can be hard work financially! Exim Dance Company ran a “Fit and Fed” Programme during Easter at Oxford House Creative Hub, thanks to funding from the Department of Education’s National Holiday Activities & Food Plymouth.
Over the four days, young people took part in a variety of activities including arts & crafts, a combination of dance styles, mindfulness and informal chats to enhance the participants understanding and awareness of healthy eating.
Events in Stonehouse
Who likes free events? Exim Dance Company hosts a community event, Scratch Night, that offers local talent a platform to present their skills to a live audience. Their next Scratch Night is at the Oxford House Creative Hub on Friday the 13th May at 7:30 pm. The team encourage and welcome all art forms, no matter what level or stage of the process!
To acquire a FREE audience ticket, please click the Eventbrite link.
Achievements and Projects: 2022 – 2023
Exim Dance Company have numerous new projects ongoing: Women in Mind, and two weekly dance and peer support programs for women aged 18+ from areas of deprivation who are on low incomes and suffering with their mental health.
They have successfully delivered dance and wellbeing sessions to 6,352 people locally, regionally and internationally!
In 2021 they won the ‘Mental Health and Wellbeing Award’ with Sport and Recreation Alliance – they were shortlisted in ‘Outstanding Contribution to the Community Award 2022’ with Great Business Expos and in the ‘Community Campaign of the Year 2022 Award’ with UK Parliament.
This has led to a further increase in opportunities, including partnerships with the National Academy of Social Prescribing which has enabled Exim to expand its service provision across the South West.
A local parent said, “When I think of all the good Exim does, I sometimes forget they’re a dance company. They do so much more.”
We can’t wait to see what else they achieve in 2022.
Millfields Trust
Here at the Millfields Trust we can’t help you with your dance moves but we do know a thing or two about renting a variety of light industrial units, and office spaces, including hot desks over at our Genesis Building on Union Street. Contact our team team today and find out how we can help your business grow.